Older people are being urged to get their winter flu vaccination to help protect themselves against serious illness, emergency ambulance callouts and hospital stays.
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is encouraging everyone aged 65 and over who has not yet had their flu jab to arrange their vaccination as soon as possible.
Flu can be much more than an unpleasant seasonal illness, particularly for older people. It can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, and may result in a 999 emergency call, an ambulance response and a stay in hospital.
Around 4,000 deaths in England were attributed to flu last winter, according to estimates from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The vast majority of these deaths were among people aged 65 and over, underlining the risks flu poses to older people.
The impact of vaccination is also significant. UKHSA modelling estimates that England’s flu vaccination programme prevented approximately 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths during the 2025/26 flu season.
SCAS is urging eligible older people not to delay in getting vaccinated as the colder months approach and winter viruses begin to circulate.
Duncan Robertson, chief paramedic at SCAS, said: “Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for people aged 65 and over. What may begin as a respiratory infection can develop into a much more serious condition, leaving someone needing an emergency ambulance and potentially a stay in hospital.
“As ambulance clinicians, we see the impact that serious illness can have on older people and their families. We want people to do what they can to protect themselves before they become unwell, and getting your flu jab is an important step.
“Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness and can also help ease pressure on NHS services during what is traditionally a very busy time of year. If you are aged 65 or over and have not yet had your flu jab, please take the opportunity to get protected this winter.”
People aged 65 and over are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine. They can check their eligibility and arrange an appointment through their GP surgery, participating local pharmacy or speak to a member of staff if you live in a residential care home.
For more information about the NHS flu vaccine visit https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
